Tuesday, July 17

Monickers

One of my favorite books is the Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract. It’s not really a book, it’s more of an encyclopedia for baseball fans, but it makes for great reading sitting on the sofa when you don’t feel like committing an hour to a novel.

Within the book, James breaks down baseball history into decades, drawing out the unique highlights from history that statistics gloss over. Heaviest player, fastest player, worst fielders, best fielders, best young players, etc. Great stuff.

Anyway, one of the best parts is his recounting of the best nicknames from each decade, and how nicknames change throughout time. From Arlie “The Freshest Man on Earth” Latham to “Sudden” Sam McDowell to Larvell "Sugar Bear" Blanks, it’s an interesting insight into how the players were viewed in their times.

As I was reading about some 19th century nicknames, I got to thinking: What would Kevin Durant’s nickname be if he played in the 1920’s, or the 1950’s? Since the young man from Texas is still without a real nickname, I thought it would be a good warmup for those thinking of what he should be called.

personally, I'm just afraid that he'll end up being dubbed 'KD'. I hate the prosaic nature of nicknames these days, it seems like the only thing people can come up with is either just he dudes initials, first initial last name, or initial/number combination. Sometimes it works, like Ammo for Adam Morrison, or T-Mac, but for the most part it's just boring. anonymous #12 said...

i've heard durantula on a different message board before

I've seen a quote from KD where he said that was his favorite. I heard that nickname too, and I really hope it's true that that is his favorite, because it pretty much kicks ass. It gets my vote. I was hoping someone would start up this discussion...

and now just to find one for Green, too. I heard someone refer to him as 'JG' which doesnt even roll off the tongue like a KD or even JO or something. what abuot something linking the two, like Butch and Sundance? I dont know. I'm just pretty sure he wouldnt go for a play on his number; tutu.